Norton Shores, Michigan, a young, growing, full-service city located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Muskegon County is well known for its natural scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, attractive neighborhoods and high quality school systems. The community of 25,030 residents encompasses over 24 square miles. Norton Shores is graced with more than six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline plus numerous public access points on Mona Lake and Little Black Lake. Hoffmaster State Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Michigan. The new .376 Dune Harbor County Park provides two inland lakes and miles of hiking trails. Several city parks, including three located on Mona Lake, offer additional passive and active recreational activities.
Norton Shores might best be described as a rural/suburban environment with a balance of industrial, commercial and residential development. Growing but controlled industrial parks are attracting high tech manufacturers which, while adding to the employment opportunities of the community, does not detract from the city's beautiful suburban setting. Three commercial/retail corridors are no more than five or ten minutes from any residential area. The city is noted for some of the most distinctive homes and appealing residential communities in the greater Muskegon area. Norton Shores has led the county in construction permits for many years.
Norton Shores offers excellent educational opportunities from the Mona Shores, Grand Haven and Muskegon Public Schools to its close proximity to Muskegon Community College, Baker College and Grand Valley State University. High quality private parochial and charter schools are also available. With its high quality of life, Norton Shores is a much sought after place in which to live, work and play.
The Chippewa, Potawotomie and Ottawa Indians for hundreds of years occupied the wilds of Western Michigan. The Native American tribes were very protective of the natural environment Mother Nature put on this earth. When the immigrants arrived they found openings in the forest made by the Native Americans, which were used to raise food.
Norton Township was originally organized in 1845 by settlers of the village of Mill Point (now Spring Lake). The township was named in honor of Col. Amos Norton, a Canadian patriot who was implicated in the rebellion of 1837.
Norton Township was part of Ottawa County and also included the Townships of Fruitport and Sullivan. In 1855 Spring Lake Township was detached from Norton and organized as a township in Ottawa County. Norton Township was separated from Ottawa County in 1859 and became a part of Muskegon County. The population of Norton Township in 1860 was 197 and in 1864 was 229.
In 1847 the first sawmill in Norton Township was built. It was known as Robinson's Mill and was located at the head of Black Lake (now known as Mona Lake).
In 1850, Ira Porter arrived at Mona Lake. He operated Porter Sawmill and a fruit farm. One of the largest fruit farms in Norton Township was operated by G. N. Cobb who also operated a box factory for fifteen years beginning in 1869. With the closing of the sawmills and the box factory, residents turned to raising fruit which became a very profitable industry. Boats would enter Lake Harbor and make a trip around the lake picking up crates of berries at the docks of the growers. They would then return to Lake Michigan with their cargo and transfer it to large steamers bound for Chicago.
Thanks to the Norton Township Volunteer Fire Department and the cooperation of the Norton Township Board, action was taken to incorporate Norton Township into a Home Rule City. An election to determine if Norton Township should be incorporated into a Home Rule City passed by a two to one margin and nine charter commissioners were elected to draw up the first City Charter which was adopted on April 16, 1968.
Help Shape the Future of Norton Shores!The City of Norton Shores is seeking an experienced, motivated professional to lead our Department of Public Works! After an incredible 25 years of dedicated service, our current Public Works Director is preparing to move on to his next chapter!We're excited to welcome a new leader who will build on that strong foundation while bringing fresh perspectives, ideas, and vision to the department. This is a unique opportunity to step into a key leadership role...
See full job description